2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a 1.6-inch longer body, revised front and rear fascias, and sporty new character lines. The updated LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned for a more spacious look, with a separated instrument panel and center console, ambient lighting, and a rear USB port for added convenience. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features, elevating the Kona's athletic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. The Black Label Grand Touring model, although fully loaded, had plain wheel designs that detracted from its high price tag. The Aviator's exterior lighting sequence and soft-close doors added a touch of elegance, while the interior boasted a mix of high-end materials and Art Deco-inspired design elements. However, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared less refined, and the key fob felt inexpensive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower. The standout Kona N trim came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. This setup provided exclusive driving features and impressive handling, making the Kona N a joy to drive. The Kona's lightweight and AWD contributed to its agile and composed handling, with noise levels inside the cabin surprisingly low for its price point.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for efficient power management, while the Dynamic Handling Package ensured a smooth ride despite its added weight. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behavior detracted from the driving experience. While the Aviator handled well, it lacked the fun factor, focusing instead on providing a quiet and smooth ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, though compact, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with sufficient headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited space due to the vehicle's small dimensions, and cargo space was tight at 19.2 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 45.8 cubic feet, but towing was not recommended.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an 8-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also featured Hyundai Blue Link services and a Digital Key app for added convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a comprehensive head-up display. The Phone As A Key system allowed for keyless operation, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear occupant alert. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though it fell short of Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.